October 7, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Mark Ronson And The Business Intl – Somebody To Love Me (Feat. Boy George & Miike Snow) Mark Ronson and the Business Intl. featuring Andrew Wyatt and Boy George – “Somebody to Love Me” British producer Mark Ronson – best known for his work on Amy Winehouse’s 2007 smash Back to Black – had success… Read more »
October 5, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
U2 – “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” This soul rave-up immediately followed the lead single “Beautiful Day” on U2’s 2000 record All That You Can’t Leave Behind. Though the band had flirted with this kind of music on Rattle and Hum, Bono’s voice and Edge’s bluesy guitar take full charge here,… Read more »
October 4, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Phoenix – Lasso Phoenix – “Lasso” This track from Thomas Mars and company’s latest record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix shows their minimalist pop-rock leanings, concise and immediately catchy. Though they have always had an element of pop in their songs, this record trimmed the music down to the very basics: sharp drums, taut guitars, and Mars’… Read more »
October 1, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Arcade Fire – “Modern Man” This thundering track from Arcade Fire’s much-lauded The Suburbs shows why the band has gained a large following over the releases of its three records. Win Butler’s haunting voice over the subtle shifting time signature helps flesh out his near-paranoid lyrics. Hints of the Police and the Talking Heads help… Read more »
September 30, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Bob Dylan – If Not for You Bob Dylan – “If Not For You” This song, from Dylan’s 1970 record New Morning, was part of the record rushed out after the brutally criticized Self Portrait. Finding Dylan in a more personal, introspective mode, the song’s whimsical reflections on love and partnership found a wide audience… Read more »
September 28, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs – “Beg, Steal, or Borrow” For this latest record God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, Ray LaMontagne took the production reins himself, putting together a small band to support his aching, nuanced songs. This song, the first single, features brushed drums and pedal steel, highlighting the subtlety within… Read more »
September 27, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
The Dandy Warhols – “Bohemian Like You” From their third record Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia, this song has served as an excellent Monday morning wake up since 2000. The impeccably named frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s sneering vocals and sharp guitar riff anchor the song, which hit college radio shortly after the release of the song and… Read more »
September 24, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Paolo Nutini – “New Shoes” This song, from Nutini’s debut record These Streets, was written and recorded when he was only 20 years old. Last year, at the ripe age of 23, he released the followup Sunny Side Up, featuring his endearing raspy voice and slurred yet soulful style. Putting Otis Redding through the filter… Read more »
September 23, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” This track, from Paul Simon’s 1972 self-titled record, shows a hint of the world influence that he would later fully reveal on Graceland. After Simon and Garfunkel dissolved in 1970, he spent the summer of 1971 teaching songwriting at NYU and putting together this record, which… Read more »
September 21, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Fate Lions – All You Do Is Crazy Fate Lions – “All You Do Is Crazy” Frontman Jason Manriquez’s smooth vocals highlight the throwback sound of his band on their debut release Good Enough For You. Fate Lions’ sound recalls vintage 60’s pop, with smooth harmonies, chiming guitars, and winning melodies. The band kicks off… Read more »
